Deerfield Academy

Deerfield Academy is committed to high standards of scholarship, citizenship, and personal responsibility. Its core values emphasize citizenship with humility and empathy, intellectual vitality through reflection and balance, and the pursuit of mastery built on a foundation of breadth. The school fosters a vibrant, ethical community that values face-to-face interactions and connectedness to both its unique setting and the contemporary world.

The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a wide range of courses across departments including English, History and Social Science, Language, Math, Philosophy and Religion, and Science and Computer Science. Academic offerings range from foundational courses to advanced subjects like Linear Algebra, Electric Vehicle Engineering, and Big History. The arts program is comprehensive, featuring architecture, dance, film and video, music, photography, studio art, and theater.

The Academy prepares students for leadership in a changing world by fostering global understanding, environmental stewardship, and a dedication to service. Graduates are encouraged to lead rewarding and active lives, with the school aiming to develop inquisitive minds, sound bodies, and strong moral character. The College Advising Office supports students in their post-secondary planning.

The Academic Affairs Office, led by the Dean of Studies and the Director of Academic Support, serves as the primary resource for academic issues. Students are assigned a faculty advisor and a class dean who provide personalized assistance, guidance on course planning, and support for navigating the academic program. Additionally, the school offers health and wellness resources, including a counseling center and peer counselors.

Deerfield Academy accepts applications for students currently in grades 8–12 who are applying for grades 9–12 or a postgraduate year. The school employs a holistic application process that requires standardized testing and an interview. The priority application deadline is January 15, with notification sent on March 10.

The school operates on a September-to-June academic year. While there are no academic classes on Saturdays, students typically participate in co-curricular activities on that day. Commencement takes place at the end of the academic year.

The campus is situated in a historic village and includes a Main School Building, an Athletics Complex, and the Greer Store, a student hub for socializing. The school provides a residential environment with dormitories, and a new West Campus Dorm is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027. Other facilities include the Boyden Library, a Health Center, and the von Auersperg Gallery for the arts.

Each term, students are required to participate in a co-curricular activity, which may include athletics, the arts, or community service. Examples of these organized programs include varsity sports, afternoon studio time, and service work at local elementary schools. Additionally, students manage various clubs and alliances overseen by the Student Life Office.